A review of length-weight relationship and its parameters in aquatic species

Length weight relationship and its parameters are requiring in practical assessment of stocks of aquatic species. The exponent b describes the growth condition of the species in question. If the value of b is 3 around 3, the fish is said to exhibit isometric growth if the value of b is less or greater than 3 the species is said to exhibit isometric growth if the value of b is less or greater than 3 the species as exhibiting both isometric and allometric conditions. Such conclusions are erroneous and misrepresentation of scientific facts. They stem from the use of inappropriate methods in estimation of the LW parameters and the authors? lack of understanding of the biological theory behind the growth conditions. To correct these erroneous presentations, the paper highlights the appropriate approach for the estimation of the LWR parameter. Large sample size. Wide size range and appropriate statistical tools are essential ingredients for accurate estimation of the LW parameters. The paper also elucidates on the concept of isometric and allometric growth in fishes and other invertebrates. A minimum of one year time scale of data collection in order to capture all the size ranges, from the young of the year to the oldest individual in the population, so as to reflect the ontogenetic growth performance of the aquatic species, have been propose